Large barn burns near Campbellsport after skid steer starts on fire

***Photo submitted by Jeff Werth***

Fire departments from four different counties responded to a barn fire Thursday, January 17, 2024 near Campbellsport.

At 3:14 pm, The Fond du Lac County Communications Center received a 911 call from a passing snowmobiler, reporting that a piece of equipment in a barn was on fire at W4027 Swallow Lane in the Township of Ashford.

Deputies from the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the property along with The Campbellsport and Eden Fire Department. By the time emergency personnel arrived on scene the barn was fully engulfed in flames.

Due to the size and severity of the fire, an automatic mutual aid box alarm was opened which called in trucks and firefighters from 17 additional departments.

A group of passing snowmobilers were not only credited for calling in the fire, but they assisted the land owner in getting 72 cattle out of the lower portion of the barn as well as shuttling firefighters from the road to the fire scene as the long narrow driveway of the residence couldn’t accommodate many of the fire vehicles.

The cause of fire is believed to be a faulty block heater located on the skid steer. the 184’ x 36’ barn and attached 20’x 50’ building as well as equipment in the buildings are
reported to be a total loss.